Sixteen Monday fasting story

Sixteen Monday fasting story

Once upon a time. There lived a rich moneylender in a city. There was no dearth of wealth, respect and comforts in his house, but he was childless. Because of this he and his wife were always sad. Both were great devotees of Lord Shiva. He used to go to Shiva temple daily, perform rituals and pray for the birth of a child.

One day, pleased with his devotion, Mother Parvati said to Lord Shiva, "Lord, this moneylender and his wife are very devoted. They worship you with true heart. Please give them the happiness of a child."

Lord Shiva said, "Devi, he is not destined to have a child. Still, with your prayer, he will definitely have a son, but his life will be short."

After some time, a beautiful son was born in the moneylender's house. There was joy in the house. His parents brought him up with great love. When the child started growing up, one day his parents remembered that his age was very short. He started feeling worried inside, but did not tell anything to his son.

When the child became capable of reading and writing, it was decided to send him to Kashi for education. His maternal uncle was also sent with him. Adequate money, clothing and necessary materials were given for the journey. The moneylender said to his son, “Son, wherever you meet worthy Brahmins on the way, respect them, perform yagya-donation and keep remembering Lord Shiva.”

The child and his maternal uncle proceeded on their journey. Wherever he stayed, he provided food to Brahmins, gave donations and worshiped Shiva. In this way they reached a city. That day there was a wedding of the king's daughter. Coincidentally, the prince to whom she was to be married was blind from one eye. The king was worried that if the groom's faults were revealed to everyone, he would be insulted.

Then the king's eyes fell on that beautiful child. He thought that this child should be made to sit in the pavilion as a groom for some time. After the marriage rituals are completed, they will send him off with respect. The king politely requested the child and his maternal uncle. Seeing the situation they agreed.

The marriage rituals were completed. When the girl started leaving, the boy secretly wrote on the girl's veil, "You are not being married to me, but to that prince who is one-eyed. I was made to sit here only to save time."

When the princess read this, she knew the truth and refused to leave. Thus the child and his maternal uncle moved ahead from there. They reached Kashi and after some time, the same date came on which the child was to complete his life.

That day the child said to his uncle, “Uncle, today I am feeling something inauspicious.” Uncle gave him patience. The child remembered Lord Shiva, but within a short time he fell on the ground and died.

Uncle was distraught with grief. He started crying and wailing. At the same time Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati were leaving from there. Mother Parvati heard that lamentation and said to Lord Shiva, “Lord, what kind of sound is this crying?”

Lord Shiva said, "He is the maternal uncle of the same moneylender's son, whose son's life was short. Today his life has come to an end."

Mother Parvati filled with compassion said, "Lord, please give life to this child. His parents love him very much. They will be extremely saddened by his death."

Lord Shiva said, “Devi, he was destined to live only this long.” But on repeated requests of Mother Parvati, Lord Shiva gave life to that child again.

The child came alive. There was no limit to uncle's happiness. Both of them bowed to Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati and thanked them for their blessings.

After some time they started returning to their city. On the way they reached the same city where the princess was married. When the king and princess there came to know the truth, they were happy and married their daughter to the same boy. Both returned home happily.

When the moneylender and his wife saw their son alive and safe, they were extremely happy. He welcomed the daughter-in-law and thanked Lord Shiva for his great grace.

After that the family started observing Solah Monday fastwith devotion and regularly. By the grace of Lord Shiva, there was happiness, peace, prosperity and joy in their house. Whichever man or woman observes the fast of sixteen Mondays with devotion, faith and method, Lord Shiva fulfills his wishes and removes the troubles of life.

Say Jai to Lord Shiv Shankar.